SIOUX CITY (KTIV) - Last year, UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s - Downtown saw three patients with heart attacks related to shoveling snow.

People above the age of 50 are the highest at risk, especially if they have blockages in their heart.

A cardiologist at Downtown St. Luke’s says the risk comes from two factors.

The physiological aspect of the cold constricting blood vessels, plus the psychological aspect of feeling the need to complete a driveway or sidewalk, and not taking breaks.

It’s not recommended for people over 50 to shovel their own snow. Hire someone else to do it.

If you do need to shovel yourself, limit the time.

“Take frequent breaks. Not more than 10 minutes. When shoveling don’t lift the snow, just move them to the side,“ said Nabil Braiteh, an Interventional Cardiolog

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